Environmental group changes its mind on Courtice incinerator partnership

Clarington town hall in brief

The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority board of directors has reversed a decision not to accept funds, sponsorship, donation or partnership from Covanta Energy Corporation.

The motion was first passed in early December in reaction to reports that 1,800 tonnes of fly ash from a Covanta incinerator were dumped in a British Columbia landfill and failed a toxicity test.

At a Jan. 15 meeting, the CLOCA board voted to rescind the motion.

"How is it possible that an environmental group is going to accept money from a company that is rapidly become notorious for polluting?" said Councillor Corinna Traill at the Jan. 28 Clarington council meeting.

Clarington wants more time for public input on incinerator community communication plan

Council asked for a longer extension to allow more public consultation on a draft community communications plan for the Courtice incinerator. Clarington also asked that a public information centre be scheduled in the evening to garner public opinion on how the proponent will disseminate information to interested members of the public.

The public consultation deadline is now set for March 30, which councillors and Durham Environment Watch said is not enough time to hold the meeting for public input.

Controversial Veridian board appointment sparks information request

Clarington council wants to know if there have ever been appointments to the Veridian Board, or Veridian Connections Board, without the nominee having been recommended by the municipality.

The request comes from controversy around Regional Councillor Mary Novak's appointment to the Veridian Connections Board after a citizen resigned from the position -- making the Clarington representation three council members and one citizen, as opposed to the usual two council members and two residents.

"What kind of precedent are we setting?" said Councillor Wendy Partner. "Next term around is it going to be four councillors?"

Coun. Novak declared a conflict of interest and left the room for the debate on the issue. All other council members supported the motion to ask for more information on past Veridian board appointments.